Certification by Reciprocity or Equivalency

Requirements

Candidates wishing to apply for reciprocity or equivalency must meet all requirements and follow all guidelines as stated below.

For both reciprocity and equivalency, the candidate must mail in all documentation. The application must be an original, but all other documentation may be copies. The Division of Fire Safety will not accept any faxed or emailed applications.

Reciprocity

Individuals holding certification accredited by the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) or the National Fire Service Professional Qualifications (Pro Board) must comply with the following guidelines:

Certificates must clearly indicate IFSAC or Pro Board Accreditation for the level of certification.

Provide the division with written verification from the non-Missouri certifying authority that the applicant's certification is current, valid and in good standing.

Be a member of a fire department, law enforcement agency or do business in the state of Missouri.

Meet the general requirements for certification as outlined in the appropriate certification booklet.

The Missouri Division of Fire Safety Training and Certification Unit will review and verify all documentation. Once documentation has been reviewed and verified to meet the certification criteria, the candidate will be issued reciprocity. Reciprocity will be issued according to the corresponding accredited body only. Therefore, IFSAC accredited certification will be awarded IFSAC reciprocity, likewise, Pro Board accredited certification will be awarded Pro Board reciprocity. If documentation does not meet the certification requirements, the candidate will be denied reciprocity. The candidate would then be required to complete an approved training program and meet all certification requirements, including but not limited to passing written and practical skills certification exams.

Equivalency

Individuals not holding certification accredited by the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) or the National Board of Fire Service Professional Qualifications (Pro Board) must comply with the following guidelines:

Be a member of a fire department, law enforcement agency or do business in the state of Missouri./li>

Submit documentation of training and testing that complies with each component of the appropriate NFPA Standard for desired level of certification. Documentation must be dated within the last five years.

Successfully complete the Division of Fire Safety's written exam with a minimum score of 70 percent for desired level of certification and practical skills exam, where applicable.

Meet the general requirements for certification as outlined in the appropriate certification booklet.

The Missouri Division of Fire Safety Training Division will review and verify all documentation. Once documentation has been reviewed and verified to meet the educational criteria, the candidate will be eligible for equivalency testing. If documentation does not meet the educational requirements, the candidate will be denied equivalency testing. The candidate would then be required to complete an approved training program and meet all certification requirements including but not limited to, passing written and practical skills certification exams.

Applications may be downloaded at the above links, or they can be obtained by contacting the Training and Certification Unit at (573) 522-2426, or requested by email at training@dfs.dps.mo.gov.